The main characters in Mother and Child, Etaa, Hywel, King Meron, and Tam (the God), inhabit a world settled by technologically advanced humans and later devastated by a plague that wiped out civilization and caused numerous physical defects among humans born post-plague. It is hinted, but never outrightly stated, that the plague was genetically engineered and accidently set loose. This raises a question familiar to Vinge's fans: What limits should be placed on technology?

The devastation of the plague ruins the civilization that spawned it, sending it back to a more primitive level and dividing it into two factions: the Kotaane and the Neaane. These factions represent extreme reactions to the results of the plague. The Kotaane have reverted to a low-tech agrarian lifestyle, worshipping a Mother goddess, and trying desperately to recover from the effects of the plague which has caused widespread deafness, varying degrees...